Esme Consumer
Website:
esmeconsumer.in
Job details:
Job Title: Senior Brand/Category Manager (Cosmetics)
Department/Group: Consumer Marketing
Location: Gurgaon
Purpose/Mission of role
The Category Manager will be responsible for driving the overall strategy, growth, and profitability of assigned product categories within Esme Consumer. This role involves end-to-end ownership from market analysis and consumer insights to new product development, brand building, and performance management, ultimately contributing to Esme's vision of being the undisputed leader in the mass-market beauty segment.
Roles and Responsibilities:
● Category Strategy & Planning:
o Own the strategy, planning, and execution of a 200 Cr+ category portfolio across Face, Lips, and Nails, managing 50+ SKUs.
o Drive category growth, profitability, market share, and innovation pipeline in line with annual business objectives.
o Lead Annual Operating Plan (AOP) creation, forecasting, budgeting, and category growth roadmaps.
● Brand Building & Communication:
o Manage brand equity and ensure consistency in positioning and messaging.
● New Product Development (NPD):
o Identify white spaces and lead the conceptualization, development, and launch of new products.
o Collaborate with R&D, packaging, and supply chain for timely product rollouts.
● Market & Consumer Insights:
o Commission and interpret consumer research to guide product and communication strategies.
o Monitor competition and adapt plans to respond to market dynamics.
● Sales & Trade Collaboration:
o Partner closely with the E-commerce team to drive accelerated category growth and achieve 2X business scale-up across online channels.
o Develop channel-specific growth strategies across Modern Trade, General Trade, E-commerce, and Quick Commerce platforms.
● Performance Management:
o Track and report key KPIsincluding category growth, market share, brand health metrics, and campaign performance.
o Prepare monthly dashboards and present updates to senior leadership.
● Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Management
o Lead cross-functional collaboration across Sales, E-commerce, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D, Packaging Development, Manufacturing, and Demand Planning teams to deliver category objectives.
o Manage internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of launches, promotions, and category initiatives.
o Drive alignment between business objectives and execution priorities across functions.
Experience Required
• MBA in Marketing • Minimum 8-10 years in category management
Key Skills and Competencies Required:
● Strong strategic thinking and analytical abilities
● Excellent communication and project management skills
● Deep understanding of brand management, consumer behavior, and go-to-market strategies
● Proficiency in data analysis tools and MS Excel/PowerPoint
● Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and agencies
● Relevant experience in beauty and FMCG category (Cosmetics, Food, Personal Care, Homecare)
● Proven experience in managing large beauty/FMCG categories with P&L ownership.
● Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
● Demonstrated team management and leadership experience.
● Ability to manage complex cross-functional projects and multiple business priorities.
● Strong commercial acumen with experience in AOP planning, forecasting, and category profitability management.
● Experience handling Color Cosmetics categories (Face, Lips, Nails) preferred.
● Experience managing portfolios with 50+ SKUs and 100 Cr+ category turnover.
● Exposure to E-commerce growth and omnichannel category management.
Functional Qualification:
• Analytical Skills • Attention to Detail • Persistence • Follow Through on Commitments
• High Standards • Team Work • Communication • Organisation and Planning Behavioural
o Self-driven o Able to influence people o Good written and verbal communication o Good stakeholder management o Able to develop and coach team. o Enable and drive change
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